OIES – Australia Gas: Policy Failures Risk Domestic Shortages

The main theme of the report is the analysis of gas policy failures in Australia, which could lead to gas shortages on the country's eastern coast.

Key findings include a decade of policy failures, public resistance, and planning delays that have increased the risk of physical gas shortages in the populous eastern states of Australia. Unlike Western Australia, eastern states such as New South Wales and Victoria do not have a gas reservation policy for the domestic market. Gas shortage forecasts vary, but the situation remains unstable, potentially requiring LNG imports. Political and regulatory hurdles complicate the development of gas projects, leading to delays and increased costs.